Welcome the web center dedicated to frequently asked questions (FAQs). The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) periodically updates this area of the website with commonly asked questions and answers. As the list grows the FAQs will be organized under designated headings. Prior to contacting the AASP with general questions we ask that you review relevent FAQs. Prior to contacting the AASP with general questions we ask that you review relevent FAQs. Does being a member of the American Academy of Spine Physicians suggest that my practice is limited to spinecare?

No. It simply acknowledges that you provide spinecare within your chosen realm of practice. You may have other areas of emphasis within your practice.

Membership with the American Academy of Spine Physicians acklowedges your commitment to excellence in spinecare. Is it beneficial to belong to other membership based spine organizations?

Yes. What is the highest level of recognition for physician continuing education in spinecare provided by the American Academy of Spine Physicians? Fellow status with the American College of Spine Physicians (FACSP). Do you have to be a member of the American Academy of Spine Physicians to obtain Diplomate status with the American Academy of Spine Physicians?

YesDo you have to be a member of the American Academy of Spine Physicians to obtain Fellow status with the American College of Spine Physicians or Fellow Status with the American College of Spine Specialists?

YesDo you have to have a separate membership with the American College of Spine Physicians to obtain or maintain Fellow status with the American College of Spine Physicians?

No, you must be a member of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP). The American College of Spine Physicians is a Division of the AASP. Do you have to have a separate membership with the American College of Spine Specialists to obtain or maintain Fellow status with the American College of Spine Specialists ?

No, you must be a member of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP). The American College of Spine Physicians is a Division of the AASP. What is the difference between the American College of Spine Physicians and the American College of Spine Specialists?

Both Colleges represent Divisions of the American Academy of Spine Physicans. The American College of Spine Physicians was developed for those members who achieve Fellow status whereas the American College of Spine Specialists was developed for non-physician members who achieve Diplomate and/or Fellow status through the AASP. Do I to need to apply for AASP membership (renew membership) online?

No. Although we recommend that you complete the membership/renewal application process online to help ensure an accurate database. If you do not wish to apply online you may contact Member Services at (847) 697-4660 and request that an application be sent or faxed to you. A faxback option is available online. How will I receive notification of membership renewal?

If the AASP has your correct email address on file, you will receive notification of renewal by email. You may also receive notification by regular mail. Do I have the option of setting up an automatic membership renewal?

One of the criteria of membership is that you accept an auto renewal option. If you do not wish to renew membership, you are required to inform the AASP in writing 30 or more days in advance. What is the benefit of auto membership renewal?

It helps ensure uninterrupted service and uninterrupted directory listings. It also helps ensure appropriate application of continuing education credits toward credentialing such as Diplomate or Fellow status. Does the American Academy of Spine Physicians promote public awareness?

Yes. The AASP is committed to enhancing public awareness about spinecare and about the role of spine physicians and spine specialists. The AASP has a dedicated area on the website for the media and the public. Members of the media are invited to the AASP website to obtain statistics, learn about advances in spinecare, and to become more aware of the benefits of integrated spinecare. The AASP Public access page has links to the informative website of the International Spine Association (ISA) which has a large online searchable database of need-to-know information about the spine, spine disorders and spinecare. Will the AASP website continue to be expanded and improved? YesIs the AASP committed to providing me with marketing and educational resources to help enhance my recognition as a spine specialist and educate my patients?

Yes. The AASP is committed to ongoing development of member services including but not limited to internet tools, patient education resources, social networking resources, and news/press releases. Is the AASP committed to developing professional relationships and strategic alliances with other organizations?

Yes. Can a physician from a country other than the United States of American join the American Academy of Spine Physicians?

Yes. Can a non-physician from a country other than the United States of American join the American Academy of Spine Physicians?

Yes, they can apply for membership as an Affiliate Member. What is the relationship between the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) and the International Spine Association (ISA)?

The AASP and the ISA represent two different organizations. The AASP principally serves healthcare professionals whereas the ISA serves the public. The two organizations work jointly on many projects.

Inform a Colleague

Expand and Educate Your Spinecare Network

Welcome to the Inform a Colleague area of the Academy Website. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) strives to implement new and more efficient methods for members to communicate with other healthcare professionals. One of the most effective tools is the online "Inform a Colleague" function. This function can be used to expand and educate your spinecare referral network. It also represents a resource to conveniently inform others about trends in spinecare and about offers of organizations such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), the International Spine Association (ISA). The link library also contains an application for membership with the AASP.

The online "Inform a Colleague" feature provides an invaluable time-saving service for keeping spinecare professionalsup-to-date, expanding the spinecare network, stimulating interdisciplinary referrals and for inviting colleagues to join the AASP. The library of links is always being updated with useful information and resources. The linked messages can be used to

**Edit1 and/or add text where appropriate** (Inform one or more colleagues)

Membership will automatically renew each calendar year starting from the date of membership renewal or membership acceptance unless the AASP is specifically notified in writing by the member at least 30 days prior to their renewal date. Please address all correspondence to the AASP Office of Member Services.

Review the accuracy of your contact information and practice profile information including your email address. To update your profile online go to www.spinephysicians.org and login using your unique member ID and PIN as noted below.

Please notify the AASP if you no longer meet membership criteria.
This includes maintaining an active license to practice.